A driver who was slapped with a speeding ticket has launched his own investigation into NSW Police - and won a payout of nearly $5,000.
In July 2023, Jeffrey Little was pulled over and accused of driving 26 km/h over the limit in a 90 km/h area.
But he knew in my heart of hearts that he hadnt been speeding, he told news.com.au.
The former police detective from the Central Coast was convinced he had received a penalty for something I hadnt done.
No one hates a bad cop more than a good cop, he said.
After driving for nearly 40 years without a driving offence, he was amazed he didnt receive a warning, and decided to fight the fine in court.
His legal costs reached $4,477, as he issued subpoenas uncovering practices surrounding LIDAR speeding devices. Police eventually withdrew the charge.
On Wednesday, Magistrate Alan Railton ordered NSW Police to pay all of Littles legal costs in Wyong Local Court.
NSW Police were ordered to pay Littles full legal costs.
Magistrate Railton found the officer in charge of Littles case had carried out his investigation in an unreasonable and improper manner.
The officer had failed to test and log the speeding device, which was supposed to be standard procedure.
The officer in charge gave evidence the relevant tests were carried out but were not noted in the log, the magistrate said.
I am of the opinion that the failure to record the log and … failure to comply with NSW standard operating procedures amount to an improper manner.
Any deviation from the standard operating manner is improper.
When the officer was approached outside court, he declined to comment to news.com.au.
Little once led an investigation into allegations of child abuse among church officials in the Maitland region, during his work as a detective.